That perfume you love can be dangerous for your baby!!! Know about potentially harmful cosmetics

With so many changes happening in your body, you should be more careful during pregnancy. Exposure to toxic chemicals pre-conception and during pregnancy can have a significant and long-lasting effects on your reproductive health. So, if you are planning to have a baby, it makes perfect sense to clear up your beauty regime. Here are a few potentially harmful cosmetics that you should avoid during pregnancy:

Products with ingredients like BPA and phthalates

You should not use any products which contain endocrine disrupters as they can interfere with your body’s normal hormonal functions. Some common endocrine disruptors like phthalates are classified under perfumes and fragrance on labels. When you are buying a product from the market, look for fragrance-free, paraben-free, BPA-free, and phthalate-free items.

Acne products

Talk to your doctor before using any prescription acne, or skin care items as FDA categorises some prescription items as unsafe for the growing foetus.

Anti-ageing vitamin-A rich skin products

You should also avoid anti-ageing skin products with vitamin A as too much of it could possibly lead to congenital disabilities.

Nail polish with methylbenzene

Stay clear of any nail polish with methylbenzene, or toluene on its ingredient label. Most nail polishes contain toluene, along with phthalates and formaldehyde which act as carcinogens (a substance capable of causing cancer in living tissue). Together, these ingredients are known as the toxic trio, and they pool to form a potent toxin that you would want to avoid at all times, especially during pregnancy.

Hair dye with ammonia

Many hair dye formulations contain ammonia which can affect your skin and lungs. So it is advisable to avoid these products both during and after your pregnancy.

Hair removal creams

The thioglycolic acid in many hair removal creams should also be avoided during pregnancy. There are no studies about the effect of thioglycolic acid on a baby’s growth. However, it is important to note that manufacturers suggest limited exposure to thioglycolic acid during pregnancy. So it is always best to be on a safer side.

As a rule make it a point to read product labels and any mentioned warnings. Pays to be well informed and staying away from harmful cosmetics.